Passage info Request

[glenda2]

We're planning a crossing from San Diego to Hawaii sometime after January 2010. I have questions and would love responses from this forum:

• When is the very best month (usually) to make the crossing?
• Can you recommend a good cruising, anchoring guide for the islands?
• Are there multiple entry ports? If so, recommendations?
• Any fees?
• Must we quarantine our cat in Honolulu if she never goes ashore?
• Are we excited? You bet!

[rusky]

checkout ''noonsite for most of this info

[Aussiesuede]

Originally Posted by glenda2

* When is the very best month (usually) to make the crossing?

From San Diego, Late may through late July would be your best bets. Hug the coast north up to just north of the channel islands of Santa Barbara, then head north westerly off shore about 200 miles until you hit the trades for a nice easy ride into the islands. Headings due westerly out of San Diego carries a pretty good risk of light winds for a pretty good stretch, then a hard beat.

*

Originally Posted by glenda2

* Are there multiple entry ports? If so, recommendations?

Yep. You can enter through:

Hilo or Kona on the Big island (Kona being the best port of entry imo)
Honolulu on Oahu
Port Allen in Kauai (not a really good choice for first landfall)
Kahalui on Maui (2nd best option of landfall after Kona imo)

The reality is that as an American flagged vessel fully comprised of American citizens - you can really make landfall anywhere you want. The real world penalties for not reporting entry at an official port for American citizens is just some potentially uncomfortable conversations with customs - but even that is somewhat remote. If Oahu was your primary destination, then you could make landfall in Kanakakai - Molokai and catch a buoy for the night and you'd never be bothered by any authority. (but i didn't say that! )

Originally Posted by glenda2

* Any fees?

No. Not for an American leaving port in San Diego

*

Originally Posted by glenda2

* Must we quarantine our cat in Honolulu if she never goes ashore?

Technically - Yes. As long as your cat has had TWO rabies vaccines that you've doucumentary proof of, then you'll be good to go. You just have to send proof to the Hawaii Dept of Agriculture 4 months prior to your arrival with the proof of said vaccinations. In reality, if the cat will never leave the boat, and you're an American on an American flagged vessel - it'll never be an issue...

[glenda2]

Originally Posted by rusky

checkout ''noonsite for most of this info

Will do and thank you!

[glenda2]

Great info, thank you. I especially am happy about the info for my cat, and so is she! >"<